Monday, January 26, 2009

Precocial


precocial \pri-ˈkō-shəl\ adjective: capable of a high degree of independent activity from birth {ducklings are precocial}

Etymology: New Latin praecoces precocial birds, from Latin, plural of praecoc-, praecox early ripening, from prae- + coquere to cook

The very similar precocious refers to a child unusually mature for his or her age. I doubt any human newborn would be labeled precocial; that would be creepy.

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